May 4, 2010
Joshua Buck
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
jbuck@nasa.gov
Johanna Jones
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va.
571-218-4512
johanna.jones@darpa.mil
RELEASE: 10-103
NASA, DARPA SEEK SATELLITE RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR SPACE STATION
WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA) are asking for proposals to enhance small satellite
experiments on the International Space Station. The goal is to better
utilize the station as a test bed for advanced space technologies.
The effort is centered on Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage and
Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES). SPHERES are bowling-ball
sized spherical satellites used inside the station to test maneuvers
for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking.
The three satellites fly in formation inside the station's cabin. Each
is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation
equipment. The test results are used to support satellite servicing,
vehicle assembly and spacecraft that fly in formation.
"The continued expansion of capabilities will lead to an increased
knowledge of navigation systems and stimulate a large number of next
generation spacecraft developers," said Jason Crusan, chief
technologist for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
A new program, International Space Station Spheres Integrated Research
Experiments, or InSPIRE, is designed to use SPHERES to test advanced
space technologies and facilitate student and public participation in
the development process. NASA and DARPA are soliciting ideas to bring
the power of crowd-sourcing - a concept in which many people in a
community can contribute ideas or concepts - to SPHERES experiments.
Crowd-sourcing and educational outreach activities, including a
competition among high schools across the U.S., are an important part
of the InSPIRE program. The purpose is to advance science,
technology, engineering and mathematics educational outreach for high
school students and the public.
SPHERES have been used by many organizations, including other
government agencies and graduate student research groups, since the
program began in 2006. The satellites provide opportunities to test a
wide range of hardware and software at an affordable cost.
"The ability to inspire the next generation of scientists and
engineers through meaningful space experimentation is really at the
heart of this new program," said Paul Eremenko, DARPA program
manager.
For more information about the InSPIRE program and solicitation and to
learn how students and teachers can get involved, visit:
http://www.darpa.mil/tto/programs/inspire
For more information about SPHERES, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/SPHERES.html
For more information about the space station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
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